Check the snow report page for all of the resort slope conditions at a glance. See: https://www.skisoutheast.com/skireports.php.
This weekend is shaping up to be one of the better ones we’ve seen this season. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like there has only been one or two good weekends for skiing and riding so far this year. That is definitely going to change this weekend as we are looking at one of the bigger snow events we’ve seen this year.
An arctic front will move through the region tomorrow, ushering in some of the coldest air we’ve seen this year. I think I’ve only seen the phrase “arctic front” used one or two other times so far this season in forecast discussions. Whenever you see that phrase, you should get excited.
If the forecast holds true, the next 48 to 60 hours will see 3-6” of natural snow fall here at the ski areas in North Carolina. Below is a graphic from one of the weather models. It shows total snowfall through the weekend. 
<<< 3-6" is a pretty good estimate of what we’ll see at the ski areas here in NC.
Like I said, 3-6” is a pretty good bet for the ski areas here. Beech and Sugar will be on the higher end of that range and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them maybe even surpass it.
It looks even better up into West Virginia and Maryland. Those resorts could see up to a foot, possibly more, of snow over the weekend. It’s kind of hard to see on the graphic below, but all you need to know is that the ski areas up there are located right near the blue colors. 
<<< It’s kind of hard to see on this map, but the WV/MD resorts are pretty much located all within that dark blue ring.
The Virginia resorts aren’t looking at too much in the way of accumulations. It’s looking like only an inch or so but they should be able to make snow around the clock through the weekend as…
…In addition to the snow, it is going to be COLD and WINDY! I capitalize both of those things because I want to emphasize how cold and windy it will actually be. Wind chills will be in the negatives at a lot of the ski areas as the winds are going to be pretty intense. I’m looking at the NWS forecast for Beech and Snowshoe right now, and both are showing wind gusts of up to 50 mph Saturday night. Yes, I said 50 mph! Whoa.
Sunday looks like the best day to ski and snowboard. Things should start to clear out and it should be a pretty fantastic day, although it will still be windy. I bet there will be some heavily wind loaded spots where the snow will be DEEP. I’m kind of bummed I won’t be able to ride this weekend as I will be down in Chartown doing some things. My girlfriend and I will be using our Christmas gift from her parents, which is a weekend at a fancy hotel that includes a spa package. I’m definitely not complaining about it, I just know that Sunday is going to be pretty sweet.
So yeah, things just keep getting better and better this week in terms of conditions. It’s pretty crazy how much things have already improved just in the last 72 hours. Add in a weekend of around the clock snowmaking and natural snow and it’s actually starting to feel like winter!
If the snow and cold isn’t enough to lure you to the resorts, there are several events going on this weekend that should be fun. I figured I would go over the two most notable that I’ve come across. First up, this weekend is College Weekend at Beech Mountain Resort. Here is what they are saying about it…
”College Weekend is February 11th and 12th. College discounts are offered in group sales with a valid college ID. Call ahead to check availability.
Lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lodging starting as low as $85 per person, this weekend only!! Call group sales for more information 1-800-438-2093 ext 205.
On Saturday, February 11, at 4:30 p.m. in the View Haus, a Karaoke Contest will kick off the night. From 6-10 p.m., local favorites Uncle Mountain and BPL will play in the Beech Tree, joined by a mechanical bull! Drink specials will be offered all evening and shuttles will be running. Come celebrate! NO COVER!!”
It should be a really good time up there. I wish I could make it. I know my friends will be up there so if you see a bunch of guys acting like fools, that’s them.
Up into Virginia, Massanutten is celebrating their 40th anniversary this weekend. Here is some info straight from their site.
1972 – 2012
Massanutten Resort’s Ski Area is 40 years old! Help us celebrate the big event this season with these great specials and events! 
Ski Area Birthday Bash! | February 10, 2012
Help us celebrate our 40th birthday with cake, free 40th anniversary DVDs (while supplies last), season pass giveaways, WaterPark pass giveaways, t-shirt giveaways, and much more! Doors will open at 7:00 pm with opening remarks by long-time Ski Area GM, Steve Showalter.
Stick around! At 8:00 pm, we welcome everyone 21 and up to get your groove on with live music by Surreal!
Don’t miss out on Massanutten’s 40th birthday bash! We are 40 years young and still having fun!
Happy Birthday to You! | February 10, 2012
Anyone with a birthday on February 10th gets a free 8-hour slope-use ticket on February 10, 2012.
Appreciation Day | February 10, 2012
Show any past Massanutten season pass and receive a free 4-hour slope-use ticket.
Four Hours for $40 | February 12, 2012 or March 4, 2012 | Receive a 4-hour slope-use ticket and rentals for only $40!
40th Anniversary Lodging Package | $400 | Available January 30 – February 16, 2012 and March 1 – End of Ski Season.
• 2 Eight-Hour Slope-use Tickets
• 2 Nights in a 1-Bedroom Condo
• 40th Anniversary Snow Sports DVD | A compilation of guest photos from the past 40 years at Massanutten (will be mailed out after mid-February).
Call (540) 289-4952 for Condo Reservations.
Hours of operation: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Dates are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Like I said, this weekend looks to be pretty awesome! There is lots of fun to be had at the ski areas in the region. If you can make it out, I’d HIGHLY suggest it. Just make sure to bundle up! If you can’t make it out, don’t forget that you can get live video and views from just about every resort over on High Country Web Cams. I have a feeling our traffic is going to be pretty insane this weekend.
Mike has got you guys for the weekend, I’ll be back Monday.
Email me your comments, thoughts, photos, vids or anything else you like at [email protected]